Yet unlike so many of the amateur analysts and professional frauds whose convictions are firmer than is their foundation, experienced NFL players understand that the draft is about projecting unfinished products at a level at which they are unproven. Though there are sure to be some insecure veterans fearful of rookies selected at the same position, they can take comfort in the knowledge that few of those rookies hit the ground ready to make an immediate impact.

“It’s a year-to-year basis in this league,” Weddle said. “If I don’t play at a high level then, shoot, my job’s on the line. I think we all understand that.

“If they draft your replacement, go out and work your tail off to beat him out, (prove) you’re still the guy to hold on to that job. That just comes with the territory. It’s understanding and being mature about it; not letting it get to you, not letting your emotions get the better of you.”

It’s about letting the blue chips fall where they may.

“In my opinion, you never want to get into a coach’s head,” Chargers’ tackle Jared Gaither said. “That’s what they do: they coach. And the GM does what he does. They pick they picks. They have the best interests of the team. I don’t even get into it.

“I don’t try to put the pieces together. It’s like throwing water in the air: it’s not going to have any weight.”

Spoken like a man who weighs 340 pounds and just signed a new four-year contract. Spoken like a man who can watch the draft with detachment.